Provost's Message to Faculty

From: Stacey Robertson <robertsons@geneseo.edu>
Date: Aug 2, 2021, 4:56 PM -0400
To: academicfaculty
Subject: Religious observations

Dear Colleagues,

 As you prepare classes for the fall, please be mindful of scheduling assignments that conflict with religious observations by our students.  New York State Education Law Article 5 Section 224a requires that "any student in an institution of higher education who is unable, because of his or her religious beliefs, to attend classes on a particular day or days shall, because of such absence on the particular day or days, be excused from any examination or any study or work requirements."

 The College has typically worked with students on a case-by-case basis to resolve conflicts with religious observations. However, New York’s legal requirements and our own principles of equity and inclusion make it clear that the institution should take responsibility for ensuring that students are not disadvantaged when they participate in religious observations.  

 Students are expected to inform their faculty of absences due to religious observations. At the same time, we encourage you to consider an equity-minded approach to course design that does not put an undue burden on students. Examples include:

  • Not scheduling exams, presentations, or major assignments on or immediately following major holidays
  • Making notes, recordings, or other learning resources available to all students for instructional sessions that fall on the date of a religious holiday
  • Excusing student absences due to religious observations without penalty
  • Where appropriate, having an open dialogue with your students about the holidays they celebrate

 Adopting these suggested strategies will ensure that respect for our students’ diverse faith traditions is woven into course design.  

 The Office of Diversity and Equity has generated a list of religious observations in several common traditions [2021-2023 Calendar of Selected Cultural Holidays]. This list notes holidays that include fasting or other requirements that may impact students’ attendance and/or ability to complete coursework. It is not exhaustive and there may be students in your classes who observe holidays that are not included on this list. As you build your syllabi for the fall, anything that you can do to avoid conflicts with major holidays would be much appreciated. Also please note that New York’s legal requirements are not limited to holidays, and may include religious observations (e.g., funerals). Students missing class due to these types of religious observations should also be accommodated and we want to continue to show empathy, particularly in the context of the often hidden impacts of the ongoing pandemic. 

All my best,
Stacey

Stacey Robertson
 Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of History
 SUNY Geneseo | One College Circle | Erwin Hall 207
Geneseo NY 14454
 (585) 245-5531 | robertsons@geneseo.edu
She/her/hers | Safe-Zone Trained 2021 | LinkedIn

Please note: Although I occasionally send evening and weekend emails due to the nature of my position, I do not expect responses outside of regular working hours.